Christmas Market History & Traditions
Glühwein, Lebkuchen, Krampus and nativity cribs: at Munich's Christmas markets you meet customs that are in part many centuries old. Here is where they come from.
From winter market to Christkindlmarkt
Christmas markets emerged in the late Middle Ages for practical reasons: before winter, people had to stock up on supplies, wax and tools. In Munich a Nikolaimarkt (St Nicholas market) is recorded as early as the 14th century – the forerunner of today's Christkindlmarkt at Marienplatz.
The name changed later. During the Reformation the Christkind (Christ Child) replaced St Nicholas as the Christmas gift-bringer, first in Protestant regions and later in the Catholic south too. Gradually the Nikolaimarkt became the Christkindlmarkt. More on Munich's market: Christkindlmarkt Marienplatz.
Glühwein (mulled wine)
Spiced, heated wine was known in antiquity. In the Middle Ages spices like cinnamon, cloves and star anise were considered precious and warming. Today Glühwein is the Christmas market drink – red or white, with or without a shot. Children and drivers get Kinderpunsch. Typical for Munich: deposit mugs with a new design every year.
Explore the Christmas markets hands-free
Between stalls, mulled wine stands and crowds, a suitcase only gets in the way. Drop it off at Bavarian Lockers: Marsstraße 13, 80335 Munich, about five minutes from the north exit of Central Station. Staffed storage instead of lockers, any size, from €4.00 per item per day (plus a €1.75 service fee per booking). Open daily 7:15am–9pm.
All details on luggage storage at Munich Central Station.
Lebkuchen and baked goods
Lebkuchen is a honey-based gingerbread with a long tradition, closely tied to monasteries where honey and spices were available. Nuremberg Lebkuchen are the most famous. At Munich markets you will also find iced gingerbread hearts, roasted almonds, Stollen, Schmalznudeln (fried dough) and bratwurst.
Krampus and the Krampus run
The Krampus is a fearsome figure from the Alpine region: shaggy fur, a carved wooden mask with horns, bells and a switch. Traditionally he accompanies St Nicholas around 5 and 6 December. While St Nicholas rewards good children, Krampus "punishes" the naughty ones – at least in legend.
During the Krampuslauf, groups from Bavaria, Austria and South Tyrol parade through town. In Munich it takes place on Sunday 13 December 2026, 3–5pm at the Christkindlmarkt. The noise can scare small children – keep some distance.
Nativity cribs and the crib market
The nativity crib has a particularly long tradition in Bavaria. Many families set up their crib every year and add to it. The Kripperlmarkt at Rindermarkt sells figures, stables and accessories made of wood, clay and fabric.
Christmas tree, Christkind and Santa
The decorated Christmas tree spread from Germany to many countries in the 19th century. Every year a particularly large tree stands on Marienplatz. Gift-bringers differ by region: in Bavaria the Christkind traditionally brings presents on Christmas Eve, while Father Christmas is more common in the north. On 6 December St Nicholas also visits – often accompanied by Krampus.
What to eat and drink at the market
Typical Bavarian fare includes bratwurst rolls, Reiberdatschi (potato pancakes), Schmalznudeln and Dampfnudeln (steamed dumplings). For something sweet: roasted almonds, Magenbrot, gingerbread and chocolate-dipped fruit. Besides mulled wine there is Feuerzangenbowle, Jagatee and hot apple juice. Popular souvenirs are tree ornaments, candles or a crib figure.
Advent customs at a glance
- Advent wreath: four candles for the four Sundays of Advent, an idea going back to Hamburg theologian Johann Hinrich Wichern in the 19th century.
- Advent calendar: 24 doors until Christmas Eve – chocolate today, pictures or chalk marks in the past.
- Barbara branches: cherry or forsythia twigs cut on 4 December should blossom by Christmas.
- St Nicholas Day: on 6 December children put their boots outside the door.
- Tower music & Advent singing: music is part of Munich's Advent; organisers publish the programmes.
Frequently asked questions
How old is the Munich Christkindlmarkt?
Its roots go back to the 14th century, when a St Nicholas market (Nikolaimarkt) was held in Munich.
What is Krampus?
A fearsome Alpine figure that traditionally accompanies St Nicholas, wearing fur, a horned wooden mask and bells.
When is the Krampus run in Munich 2026?
Sunday 13 December 2026, 3–5pm at the Christkindlmarkt on Marienplatz.
Why is it called Christkindlmarkt?
Because in southern Germany the Christkind (Christ Child) is the traditional Christmas gift-bringer; "Christkindl" is the Bavarian diminutive.
Where can I drop off luggage to visit the markets?
At Bavarian Lockers, Marsstraße 13 near Central Station – from €4.00 per day.